Failed Hotel plans

A BALLYMONEY councillor has spoken of her disappointment that potential plans for a hotel at the site of the former Cooleen Restaurant at Coleraine Road in the town have failed.

Cllr Evelyne Robinson (DUP) was speaking as it emerged planning permission has now been given for St James Lodge to demolish two existing properties at the site at 15-17 Coleraine Road to be replaced by the construction of a nursing/EMI care home.

Cllr Robinson said: “As someone who was keen to have a hotel in the town I regret that the hotel application wasn’t feasible.”

DUP councillor Frank Campbell praised the nursing home plans saying and said the approval will “take away an eyesore”.